A federal judge in Philadelphia has referred District Attorney Larry Krasner for a criminal investigation for a second time, according to court records, after attorneys in the DA's Office alleged questionable conduct. U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond repeated the referral while declining to step back from the murder conviction appeal that produced it.
What did the judge decide?
Diamond issued an order on Wednesday rejecting Krasner's request that he recuse himself from the case, according to the Inquirer. The judge called Krasner's filings "frivolous" and said they "generate more heat than light." He also declined to reconsider his earlier order barring Krasner from taking part in the underlying case.
Why is Krasner under scrutiny?
The dispute grew out of what the judge described as a flawed court document favoring a convicted murderer's appeal. Diamond said in a memorandum last month that Krasner and a top supervisor, Matthew Stiegler, may have committed crimes including conspiracy, obstruction of justice or perjury, according to the Inquirer. The judge referred the matter to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Federal prosecutors have declined to comment on how or whether they might proceed.
In his new opinion, Diamond wrote that Krasner chose not to testify but sought to make his case with an unsworn declaration whose credibility the judge said he could not assess, making an investigation "even more necessary." The judge also wrote that "there are few attorney transgressions more serious than lying to the Court."
What does Krasner say?
Krasner, a Democrat, has denied wrongdoing. In filings last month, he said Diamond, who was appointed by President George W. Bush, showed apparent bias against him, including by misinterpreting witness testimony and reaching baseless conclusions. Several attorneys resigned after saying they believed they were being threatened or blamed for the controversy.
FAQ
What triggered the referral?
Four DA's Office supervisors testified that Krasner and Stiegler urged them to make false representations to the court to protect the office, according to Diamond's order.
Could Krasner face charges?
No charges have been filed. The referral asks federal prosecutors to investigate, and the U.S. Attorney's Office has declined to comment on whether it will act.
